The significant contribution made by British composer Peter Meechan to Canadian concert band repertoire has been recognised with the presentation of a prestigious Canadian Composers' award by the Canadian Band Association.

Dedication

He is only the ninth recipient of the award first inaugurated in 1991, and came with a citation of appreciation from the President of the Canadian Band Association, Scott Harrison that stated that his "hard work and dedication to the Canadian band movement is something for all Canadians to be proud of and sets an example for our members to strive for."

It added: "You have provided the world with a great deal of literature for the concert band and we are so proud that you call Canada home."

Major works

It has been home since 2011 for the composer who originally hails from Nuneaton and who studied at the RNCM in Manchester and the University of Salford, during which time he developed successful compositional links to Foden's and Black Dyke Bands.

His major works for the brass band medium include 'Macbeth', commissioned for the Scottish Open Championship in 2007, 'Fragile Oasis' premiered at the European Championships in 2013, and 'The Legend of King Arthur' which was used as the Championship Section test-piece at the National Championship of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall in 2014.

Leading performers

He has also written major works for some of the world's leading brass instrumentalists such as Jens Lindemann, Ryan Anthony, Patrick Sheridan and Alexis Demailly, and has developed an extensive critically acclaimed portfolio of music spanning chamber ensembles to full orchestra as well as choral and electronic genres.

Since moving to Canada in 2011 he has made a huge impact with his music which has also been recorded on CD by the University of Saskatchewan Wind Orchestra. He is connected to Brandon University in Manitoba and lives in Winnipeg with wife and fellow musician Michelle.

Unexpected surprise

Speaking about his award on his Facebook page he wrote: "It was a completely unexpected surprise.

As the citation was read out, I became overwhelmed listening to some of the things being said, the names of conductors, bands, orchestras, soloists, and ensembles that had performed my music.

The truth is that without all of those wonderful musicians in my life, I would be a composer without a voice; so this is really an award that should be shared with so many people."

As the citation was read out, I became overwhelmed listening to some of the things being said, the names of conductors, bands, orchestras, soloists, and ensembles that had performed my musicPeter Meechan

Proud

He added: "My journey to Canada started in 2011, when Jens Lindemann performed my trumpet concerto, 'Apophenia', with Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Bill Eddins, and was followed quickly with further visits to Banff and Saskatoon, where I met Michelle and the rest, as they say, is history.

I am proud to call Canada home, and love the home we have made here in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Thanks again to those at CBA, MBA, and all the wonderful people and musicians that make life so great."